GARYVILLE — A masked man entered a Garyville home Sunday night, scaring a woman and child who were inside the residence, authorities said.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office said at approximately 8 p.m. Sunday in the 100 Block of Oakland Court in Garyville, a 30-year-old female and a small child returned home, and the woman set the home alarm system.

“Just moments later, she heard the alarm activate and saw a man dressed in all black clothing standing in the rear door,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “She ran to her daughter’s bedroom, locked them both in the room and called 911 for help.”

The perpetrator left the residence prior to the arrival of responding deputies, Tregre said. Authorities also reported the intruder attempted to enter the bedroom door but was unsuccessful.

Deputies searched the area for the perpetrator to no avail. No one was injured, and nothing was reported stolen, authorities said.

Anyone with information regarding the break-in is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Residents with information about this break-in who call Crimestoppers do not have to testify and may qualify for a cash reward. Tips can also be submitted at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.

Investigators are working to determine if the female was followed home and if the break-in is related to another last week on Central Avenue in Reserve.

Authorities ask community members to be aware of their surroundings at all times.